Life Is Not an Accident - Jay Williams

Life Is Not an Accident

By Jay Williams

  • Release Date: 2016-01-26
  • Genre: Basketball
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 267 Ratings

Description

New York Times Bestseller

This big-hearted memoir by the most promising professional basketball player of his generation details his rise to NBA stardom, the terrible accident that ended his career and plunged him into a life-altering depression, and how he ultimately found his way out of the darkness.

Ten years ago, Jay Williams was at the beginning of a brilliant professional basketball career. The Chicago Bulls’ top draft pick—and the second pick of the entire draft—he had the great Michael Jordan’s locker. Then he ran his high-performance motorcycle head-on into a light pole, severely damaging himself and ending his career.

In this intense, hard-hitting, and deeply profound memoir, Williams talks about the accident that transformed him. Sometimes, the memories are so fresh, he feels like he’ll never escape the past. Most days, he finds a quiet peace as a commentator on ESPN and as an entrepreneur who can only look back in astonishment at his younger self—a kid who had it all, thought he was invincible, and lost everything . . . only to gain new wisdom.

Williams also shares behind the scenes details of life as an All-American. He tells it straight about the scandalous recruiting process and his decision to return to Duke and Coach K—a man who taught him about accountability—to finish his education. He also speaks out about corruption—among coaches, administrators, players, and alumni—and about his time in the NBA, introducing us to a dark underworld culture in the pros: the gambling, drugs, and sex in every city, with players on every team. 

Reviews

  • Loved this book

    5
    By scarrissue
    Great read !
  • Amazing

    5
    By halfmoon 14
    I’ve only read 5 books in my adult life and I’m 53. Tommyland and 4 autobiographies Your book was by far the greatest read, never a dull moment and your right, you wrote it at a time in your life where the best is just beginning and you could still remember the details vividly. I hope you’ll continue to share your experience with many more people especially who are struggling with so many similar circumstances. I think that’s the only way for most people to emerge successfully is through support and examples. Again, thank you Mark Bush Vancouver, Washington
  • Inspiring

    5
    By JA0401
    Great look into the life of duke star jay will! I was inspired and love watching him on ESPN!! Keep grinding !
  • Awesome!

    5
    By Mont_82
    I really enjoyed this book and could relate to things in the book. God bless you Mr. Williams🙏🏾
  • Great Read

    5
    By K.A.T
    Was in college playing ball around the same time Jay was at Duke. I knew the story and felt bad for him. Its impossible not to. He paid one hell of a price for a mistake but hopefully it will continue to be what fuels and creates opportunities in his life.
  • Life is not an accident, a memoire

    5
    By JSMESQ.
    Raw, real and relevant to all lives. Uplifting, exciting and medicine for the heart!
  • Great Great Book

    5
    By Reggie Burris Jr
    What an awesome story. Shows what not giving up is all about. Loved how he kept going through walls in his life. Shows that he's human just like the rest of else no matter how big the scale. Great comeback story! Well put together
  • Chills, amazing, life-altering

    5
    By George0507
    I am one who never reads or buys books. However, when I needed to read a memoir for a project, I found this book. Being a huge college basketball fan, I watch J-Will from November to March all the time and always liked him. I knew of his story and past, but never got deep into it. This book showed me his truly touching story that brought chills with nearly every page and changed the way I view every day. Must read for anyone.
  • Powerful & Brilliant

    5
    By Ayche B
    Absolutely amazing!!! Story of overcoming life's obstacles and most importantly... Forgiveness. Brilliant... Just pure and brilliant.
  • Inspirational

    5
    By tochoa11
    I had the pleasure of watching Jay Williams play for Duke long ago and witnessed the draft, early days with the Bulls, etc. It takes guts to share your life story, especially when you are not proud of many things you may have done. Jay Williamd does a great job sharing his story and inspiring his readers. Great book. Inspirational. Thoughtful.